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What can you do for the environment?

Some interesting facts

Road haulage contractors and truck manufacturers such as DAF have done a lot to make road transport more efficient, cleaner and environmentally friendlier. What can you do for the environment?

Some interesting facts

  • Compared with 30 years ago, trucks are now 20 to 30% more fuel efficient. That means less CO² is produced.
  • The emission of harmful exhaust gases is only a fraction of what it used to be.
  • Moreover, trucks are twice as productive now than earlier. Modern trucks can carry more and don’t cover so many kilometers unladen.
  • Trucks have become much quieter and cleaner.
  • Twelve modern DAF trucks make the same noise as a single truck in the 70's.
  • A modern Euro 5 diesel engine produces 75% less NOx or nitrogen-oxide than a Euro 1 motor in the early 90's.
  • The emission of particulates or soot is even 94% lower!

1) Pay attention to your driving style

Accelerating quickly uses fuel unnecessarily and rarely saves time. Don’t drive erratically, use cruise control whenever possible, and keep your distance from the vehicle in front. Look well in front of you and take your foot off the accelerator well in advance of braking, for example, at a traffic light or a turn off. Use the momentum of the vehicle. Anticipating traffic situations not only saves fuel, it steadies the traffic and causes less stress for you. And it saves brakes and tyre wear.

2. Stay in the green zone

Drive in the green zone of the rev counter, also when accelerating and driving up gradients. And when the engine is not being taxed very hard, thus when the accelerator is being used only lightly, stay at the bottem of the green zone. Always drive in the highest possible gear. And if you drive with an AS-Tronic, don’t keep revving up. On level roads, ease off the accelerator to let the gearbox change earlier, or change gear manually. And use the kick-down only when it’s absolutely necessary. 

3. Prevent waste

Don’t accelerate unnecessarily and don’t leave the engine ticking over unnecessarily. Even a fuel-efficient PACCAR MX engine uses 1.4 litres of diesel fuel an hour just ticking over. Don’t use absolutely necessary. Because ultimately the electricity comes from the fuel. And turn off the airconditioning whenever possible. That saves hundreds of litres of fuel per annum.

4. Think about your speed

Most speed regulators are set at 89 km/h. But that doesn’t mean you always have to drive at 89 km/h. If you drive at 85 km/h maximum, you will save 6% fuel. That’s as much as 1,500 litres or more per annum! This means not only lower costs, but lower CO²  emissions.

5. Keep your truck in top condition

Ensure that your spoilers are adjusted for the lowest possible air resistance. That saves hundreds of litres of fuel per annum. You will find the optimal setting in the instruction book. And ensure that the tarpaulin is stretched taut. Flapping tarpaulins cost fuel and cause unnecessary noise. Most of all, pay attention to your tyre pressures! If the pressure is 20% too low all-round it results in 5% higher fuel consumption. Check the pressures at least once per month. And naturally keep the truck or combination in top condition by timely and qualified maintenance. Of course at an approved DAF service workshop.